Nigel Adkins has warned his Sheffield United players that they cannot afford to write off bottom side Crewe Alexandra.

The Blades are looking over their shoulders following a 2-1 home defeat to Millwall in midweek that leaves them level on points with four other promotion-chasing sides.

United remain in the League One playoffs on goal difference alone, but Adkins believes that the only way they will return to winning ways this weekend is if they find something close to their best form at Gresty Road.

"Yes, they may be bottom of the league but when you sit and watch the games you see the threats they have got," he is quoted as saying by the club's official website. "Steve Davis will not be pleased with the amount of goals they have scored but, also, they've not taken a big hiding either.

"I've got total respect for all the teams in our division, every game is a challenge and I see no different on Saturday. We have to work hard all over the park, particularly in midfield, we need to get hold of the ball and use it diligently to hurt the opposition.

"Simply, we have to be at it, because if we are not, there will be long periods when we haven't got the ball. I want us to be on the ball and dictating the play as soon as possible."

Crewe have tasted victory just once in their last seven league outings, leaving them five points adrift of safety at the foot of the table.